Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:

To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what recent discussions his Department has had with local authorities in Surrey that are due to form the west unitary authority under local government reorganisation.

As set out to the House on 28 October, we considered the two proposals for unitary local government received from Surrey councils on 9 May together with the responses to the consultation, representations and all other relevant information. In our judgement the proposal for East Surrey Council and West Surrey Council better meets the criteria set out in the invitation of 5 February 2025.

In accordance with the guidance provided to two-tier areas, it is for councils to develop robust and sustainable proposals that are in the best interests of their whole area. Councils are responsible for working through the implications relating to local government reorganisation, including costs and merits.

The Government will continue to work in partnership with the sector as we work together to deliver this ambitious agenda and has put in place measures to support and advise areas. The Department will continue to meet with councils in Surrey regularly on a range of policy matters.